From Tots to Teens, StarMag
LAST Sunday I visited the public library in my neighbourhood. I like libraries - I used them a lot when I was a poor student in Singapore and England - and I think they and librarians play an important role in encouraging children to read, and nurturing those who already love books. I'd heard both good and bad things about the neighbourhood library and wanted to see for myself. I'm still finding my way with the library I've set up and I wanted to check out this library's collection, and the way it is run.
So! I had tried to visit the library the day before, but it was the third Saturday of the month and closed. The library is closed on Mondays, public holidays, the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, and the third Saturday of the month. Hmm ... this means it's only opened two whole weekends a month. At those times, it's opened from 11 am to 4.45 pm. Otherwise, opening times are from 9 am to 6.45 pm.
I went back on Sunday, with a friend, five minutes before opening time and waited with a few teenagers at the entrance. They were clutching files and books and were obviously there to do revision. At 11 am sharp, the doors were open and we filed in.
My friend and I headed straight for the children's section, which has its own room. First impressions: "There are more chairs than books!" Almost half the room is filled with child-size tables and chairs. There is also a small stage in front of which rows of chairs are arranged.
A small bookcase by the entrance is labeled "award winners" but it contains some locally published picture books of dubious quality and not a single award-winning title. What I'm very glad to see is a bookcase filled with manga as it used to be that comics were frowned upon.
The bulk of the bookshelves are at the back on the room and they are only half-filled. The arrangement seems haphazard. The collection is divided roughly into fiction and non-fiction, but the within these sections, the shelves look like they haven't been tidied in months.
It seems a purely random collection, comprising a hodge podge of old and new books, even books that are out of print. There are Mabel Esther Allans and a whole shelful of Richmal Compton's William books! I didn't see any books published in the last year, but maybe the new books were all out. I hope so because if not, then the collection needs some serious updating - I wonder how long it's been since new books (apart from the Harry Potter series) were purchased. For instance, although there is quite a wide range of subjects covered by the reference books, they need to be replaced by newer editions.
This section of the library is supposed to serve children aged four to 12. Books suitable for those older than 12 are housed on the upper-floor of the library, which is not open to four- to 12-year-olds. So who decides what books cease to appeal to a person once he turns 13? What do the librarians use as a guide? Are they reading the books and deciding based on their knowledge of the children who frequent the library? Are they referring to the catalogues and taking the recommended reading levels (based on age) literally? Are they allowing for age not always accurately reflecting reading level?
The most obvious reason for not allowing under-13s access to teen fiction is the fear that books written for teens might contain words or subject matter not suitable for younger kids. Fair enough, I guess, although I think parents should be the ones to judge whether or not a book is suitable for their children. Of course, this requires parents to actively participate in their children's reading life and some parents might feel it's much simpler to leave the decision to someone else!
I think the library has lots of potential, and there's also lots of room for improvement. The space is large and comfortable and the collection is not a bad one even if it needs to be updated. They could certainly do a lot more to make the place more inviting to children. There should be more book displays and activities like storytelling. Also, I don't know if the librarian communicates much with the kids who visit, but this would be a good way of finding out what sorts of books to buy for the collection. A better, more complete set of classics is needed, and of course the winners of major literary awards (like the Caldecott, Newberry, Carnegie and Kate Greenaway) - I think public libraries should own winners from at least the last 10 years.
My friend and I ended up becoming members. The fee is RM16 and membership entitles you to borrow up to three books for three weeks. I plan to visit regularly, and with an open mind. There are lots of unexpected gems to be found - like the book of interviews with picture book illustrators, which we found in the reference section. You just have to be prepared to spend time poking about since the collection isn't organised well at all.
For parents who don't wish to spend a lot of money buying books for their kids, the public library is definitely an option. Therr isn't a doubt that whatever portion of our taxes that goes to libraries should be used improving the existing services and the resources, but until that happens there is, at least, a space and there are books.
hi,where i can quatations.by books or not. It will help to improve my writting skills.
Posted by: PHRIYAH | Friday, August 21, 2009 at 15:18